The Irish elections have concluded, and once again, the status quo has been upheld. However, we must look to the future and ensure that the voices of all Irish citizens—both at home and abroad are heard in shaping our democracy. For too long, the voices of those who have emigrated have been excluded, despite their continued ties to Ireland and the very policies that have pushed them away. Every year, over 60,000 of our young people leave Irish shores, driven away by a country that has become increasingly inhospitable to those seeking a decent quality of life. The policies of successive governments have failed to address the crises we face in housing, workers' rights, healthcare, and the broader quality of life for ordinary people. Instead, the status quo persists, upheld by an electorate that does not reflect the full breadth of Irish voices. We call for the inclusion of Irish citizens living abroad in our democratic process through postal voting rights. These are people forced to emigrate due to the inability of this government to provide for its citizens. Their voices matter. The decisions made here affect their future, their families, and their hope of ever returning to a better Ireland. This petition highlights the following urgent concerns: 1. Failed Government Policies: Successive governments, particularly the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil coalition, have prioritized enterprise and profits over people. This has led to: ·        An unprecedented housing crisis, forcing families into homelessness and driving young people out of the country. ·        A voluntarist model of collective bargaining, leaving Irish workers with some of the weakest protections across OECD states. ·        A shift towards privatisation of public services, reducing job quality and diminishing workers' rights while prioritising profits over service provision. 1. A Mass Exodus: Our rich culture, community, and potential are being eroded as young people emigrate en masse. This government has stripped Ireland of what makes it vibrant and sustainable for future generations. 2. Lack of Representation: The recent election results reflect a system that excludes the voices of those most impacted by these policies. Our emigrants must have the right to vote, to ensure the government is held accountable not just by those who remain but also by those forced to leave. By signing this petition, you are standing up for: • The right of emigrants to have their voices heard. • The need to address low voter turnout by ensuring more inclusive participation. • A fairer, more inclusive Ireland that prioritises its people. Let us reflect on our voting policies and build a country that future generations can call home.

Families, children, our elderly, special needs children, adults, and students. Hard working well educated people are being forced into homelessness with no available solution! I call on our government said elected to immediately put a ban on eviction notices. We will not vacate until your promises of housing for all has been delivered. There is (No Where) to go. If people stand together and reject their eviction notices until you can be rehoused. Don't move yourself into homelessness. An Taoiseach Simon Harris, would you live in a tent with your children? This is Not acceptable. We will not accept eviction until you, our government can provide us with alternative accommodation to rent. Threshold Validation, up to 1100 applications per rental property. Only one family per rental property. Irish families are under unbelievable pressure and stress, children who are thriving in schools and communities being forced into emergency accommodation, if they are lucky. Professionals just trying to work, all of this coupled with the cost of living crisis. Even if some qualify for affordable housing they have no chance to save for a deposit the with existing rental prices. Stop the mass of Air B&B, foreign investment fund purchases, buy to let only developments. Look after us, it's your duty of care to the Irish people. Acknowledge your failures, there's no time to falter there are lives at risk.

My name is Lisa O'Shea, I'm self-employed and I live in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. Me and my daughter have been living in our home for the past 15 years, but about 6 years ago, the bank repossessed the house from the owner. I told them I was interested in buying the house, but they never engaged in conversation with me. The house was later sold from under me — I was outbid when it went to public auction, leaving us absolutely devastated. After a long battle, my new landlord gave me an eviction notice, saying that their son was going to move into the house. I’m now at a loss as to what to do — I want to buy a house, but I can’t find anywhere. All the while, our town is awash with empty houses. There are no neighbours and no communities. There are no kids out playing anymore. Meanwhile, families like mine are desperately looking for somewhere to live. That’s why I’ve started this petition. There’s a general election coming up — if we can get thousands of people signing, we can show candidates that turning empty houses into homes needs to be their number one priority if they get elected.  Please sign and share the petition today, and let’s send them a message they can’t ignore.

Students and young people are the future of this island. They will be our doctors and teachers and nurses, however with the failings of this government many are leaving here as they see no hope for a future or they are dropping out of courses as they are unable to afford to be a student. 

The Grand Canal has been a valued public amenity in this part of Dublin since the late 18th century, and a core green space for local residents since. Its a valuable part of our city's heritage and brings relief to local residents on their daily commutes, runs, and walks. In response to rough sleeping in the area brought about by poor planning, mismanagement of resources, and ineffective government agency responses over several years, Waterways Ireland has erected preventative fencing along the canal. This has deprived the local residents of their public realm and created an brutal eyesore for all who pass by. These fences must be removed, government agencies must be resourced to take swift action to accommodate and help our rough sleepers, and our public realm must be reclaimed for the benefit of all!

The affected families have been integrated into many parts of our town in Blackrock so it would have an impact on many people in the community. It is within our interest to maintain them as a key part of this community going forward. 

Only by mobilising working people on housing can we build a movement for housing with more power than the landlords, developers and vulture funds.

Elderly health care in Ireland is an issue that affects us all, if not now, then in the future. What happens in Ocean View could evoke positive change at national level and prevent even more vulnerable people from being displaced. We want to send the government a very clear message. We refuse to let our loved ones pay the human price for a financial crisis not of their making. The government must provide a home for these citizens. 

Since May Waterways Ireland has erected steel fences all along the Grand Canal. Waterways Ireland's antisocial management of our canals, and the government's inhumane treatment of Dublin's homeless and homeless asylum seekers must be opposed. The erection of steel fencing along the Grand Canal this year is an escalation in a long-term policy of Waterways Ireland to prioritise anti-homeless action and infrastructure over their role in restoring, developing, and pinoting Ireland's waterways. These fences are more than physical barriers; they represent the deliberate exclusion of certain groups from public spaces and, by extension, from society. This exclusion is part of a broader pattern within our economic and political system that prioritises the interests of capital over those of ordinary citizens. The current actions of Waterways Ireland, including the erection of these barriers, disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers, the homeless population, and working-class people. Public spaces are meant to be inclusive areas that foster community and provide safe havens for all, However, the recent actions by Waterways Ireland have turned these spaces into sites of exclusion and hostility. The fences have an estimated cost of €30,000 a week and its maintenance assumed to continue up to October could cost as much as €390,000. This money could be better spent addressing the housing crisis by providing real solutions and support for those in need. These barriers are tools of division and exclusion. They are being used to weaponize the immigration issue in Ireland, particularly to divide working-class communities that are already suffering from the deliberate degradation of social services, including public housing, healthcare, and education. Instead of listening to our calls for a humane and constructive solution to this disgraceful situation Waterways Ireland has instead referred to it as not ideal' and has called for 'restraint’. They have refused to engage in dialogue while simultaneously claiming a commitment to “actively involving communities in the stewardship of these vital resources”. The lack of communication, transparency and accountability can go on no longer. We as residents are speaking up.  We demand 1. Remove fencing on the Grand Canal 2. No more hostile architecture  3. Stop evicting refugees and Irish people  4. Secure accommodation, tenancy rights and right to union representation through the Community Action Tenants Union for everyone homeless, in temporary, IPAS and emergency accommodation

No matter who we are or where we come from, all any of us want is to protect and take care of our families. Being evicted from the only shelter we have is cruel and heartless.

Becoz it involves disturbing children and putting som if us with serious cases at risk 

The student accommodation crisis in Ireland is escalating, with a severe shortage of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) forcing many students to settle for less-than-ideal living situations. One common option is Digs, where students live in a homeowner's spare room. The government encourages this by allowing homeowners to earn up to €14,000 tax-free. While practical, this has left students vulnerable, with no legal protections. In some cases, students in Digs can face overnight eviction, excessive restrictions, or misrepresentation of their living arrangement, all while homeowners benefit from tax relief. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) sees the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2024 to address these issues. This bill introduces moderate legal protections for those living in Digs, such as minimum notice periods for ending a tenancy and ensuring rented rooms cannot be entered without prior notice. These protections align with those guaranteed to students in PBSA. We understand the government's concern that mandatory written agreements might discourage homeowners from renting out spare rooms. However, USI research shows that in 66% of cases where an agreement exists, it was the homeowner who suggested it. This indicates that such agreements are not a significant barrier. We urge you to view this legislative proposal with an open mind and support the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2024, ensuring students have basic rights in this government-endorsed living option. Thank you for your consideration.